Apertured game board with selectively rotatable pegged playing pieces



Dec. 7, 1965 C. J. COWELS, JR APERTURED GAME BOARD WITH SEL 3,222,068 ECTIVELY ROTATABLE PEGGED PLAYING PIECES 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 16, 1963 INVENTOR. CLINTON J. CO Byww fznszwm mmfhhnmmJnmmww. wmhumw 0 2(\@@@ 5 oooooooooooooooooooo 2(\IOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO 00000 '000000000 oooo////.ooo0ooooooo oooo. oooooooooooo M 0000 ooooooooooooo /IOOOOOIOOOOOOOOODOOO oooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooo oooooooooocooooooo ooooooooooooo,uoooo oooooo/ooooooV/,W/oooo ooooooooooo//Aoooo ooooo/ooboooooooooo www my@ /M Dec. 7, 1965 c..1. cowELs, JR 3,222,058

APERTURED GAME BOARD WITH SELECTIVELY ROTATABLE PEGGED PLAYING PIECES Filed Sept.. 16, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 l I INVENTOR.

CLINTON d. CO'WELS,JR.

y l l l1 54j '5g/62 #es L L5 BY L-fa 65 614 @M96 ffy/f A TTRNEYS` United States Patent O 3,222,068 AFERTURED GAME EGARD WITH SELECTIVELY RTATAISIJE FEGGED PLAYING PIECES Clinton .l1 Cowels, Jr., 72 akland St., Engiewood, NJ. Filed Sept. 16, 1963, Ser. No. 368,982 4 Claims. (Cl. 273-134) This invention relates to a game and more particularly to a game simulating the game of football for the amusement of young and old.

A principal object of the invention is to provide a game simulating regulation football wherein the movements of the players, along, across and diagonally of the playing field are easily visualized.

Another object of the invention is to provide a game simulating football that is both entertaining and instructive.

F or further comprehension of theinvention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which the various nove-l features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a top plan View of the game board forming part of the game embodying my invention.

FIGS. 2 to 8, inclusive, are perspective views of the playing pieces used in the game.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged diagrammatic and part perspective view of a fragment of the playing field, showing a ball carrier preparatory to starting a run down field, broken lines and arrows indicating possible plays.

FIG. 10 is a similar view but showing a ball carrier and a blocker preparatory to starting a run down field, broken lines and arrows indicating possible plays.

FIG. l1 is a vertical sectional view of a fragment of the game board, showing a modified manner of removably mounting the figure representing a player, with means for raising the figure to permit rotation thereof, parts being shown broken away.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on the line 12-12 of FIG. l1.

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12 but showing the figure moved to raised position preparatory to turning.

FIG. 14 is a bottom plan View of the platform and plug of FIG. l1.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the actuating bar shown in FIG. ll.

Referring in `detail to the drawings, in FIG. 1 there is shown a rectangular game board 10 formed of cardboard or other suitable material. A sheet of paper 12 is pasted to the top surface thereof and the surface of the paper is marked to simulate a football playing field. The marking comprises longitudinal lines 14 and intersecting cross lines 16, the lines defining square boxes 18. Each square box 18 is five (5) yards square and the boxes along one long edge of the field are consecutively numberedv starting with and with multiples thereof, from each end toward the middle, as indicated'at 20. There are three hundred square boxes 18 shown. The end cross lines 22 and 24 represent the goal lines. A round socket hole 25 extending through the board 10 is formed in the center of each square box 18.

The game is played with play pieces including small miniature plastic figures representing players 26 'in action, a miniature plastic football 28, paper charts 29 shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, inclusive, and a pair of plastic dice 3f) for use with the charts.

The object of the game is to advance the players 26 toward and over the goal lines 22 and 24 along the boxes 18. All of the players are represented in the figures as running or moving and the ball carrier, such as the player 32 shown in FIG. 9, is shown carrying the football 28.

3,222,068 Patented Dec. 7, 1965 Each player has one foot 34 resting on a disc-shaped' platform 36 of wood, plastic or other suitable material. Secured to the undersurface of the platform and depending from the center thereof, there is a round peg or plug 38 adapted to releasably fit in one of the holes 25 in the board 16 whereby the figure is supported on the field in upright running position. In the progress of the players toward the goal lines, the figures are lifted out of the socket holes 25 and moved to the hole in ,theY square'box- 18 indicated by a chance chart 29 after the throw of `the dice 3i). by the broken lines 40 and arrows 42.

The players 26 are shown with therpegs or plugs 38;- above the playing field preparatory to insertion into a hole -v 25. In FIG. l0, the player 44 represents a right halfback receiving the ball 28 in a quick pass fromthe quarterback (not shown), and thev other player 46 shown isv the left halfback who is running as a blocker.

In FIGS. 11 to 15, inclusive, a modified means for removably supporting the figures representing the players` 26 in running position on the playing field is shown. VIn this modified form, the socket holes 25 are eacli formed with a countersunk portion 50 which is hexagonal incros's The board 10 is formed on its bottom surface" with cut-away portions 52 extending across the boardv un-4 derneath the transversely aligned holes 25 and interi section.

secting the holes as shown in FIGS. l2 and 13. The cutaway portions are formed with opposed grooves v54 midway the height thereof for the length thereof. The pegs or plugs 38 carried by the platforms 36' are each shaped to conform to the shape of the holes 25 and each yCornprises a hexagonal enlarged portion 56 and a round portion with a curved end 62. The hexagonal portion 56 fits in the countersunk portion 50 andthe round portion fits in the round portion of the hole 25 and extends slightly therebelow into the cut-away portion 52 as seen' The hexagonal portion 56 ofthe plug prevents accidental rotation of the figure in'the hole.

In accordance with the invention, means is provided yfor readily lifting the peg and supported figure out of the" socket hole 25 in the form of an elongated operating bar' in FIGS. l2 and 13.

64 of Wood or plastic. The bar 64 has a solid body`with a straight bottom surface 65 and with a slantingupper `surface 66 as viewed in FIGS. 1l and 15 thereby constituting a Wedge-shaped body. Ribs 68 are formed along opposed` sides of the body. The large end of the bar may be roughened to form a grip 70. By inserting the bar into the open end of the cutaway portion 52 and moving thev bar inwardly, the upper surface of thel bar engages the' curved ends 62 of the pegs or plugs 38' of the transverselyl aligned figures 26 and continued movement of the bar4 lifts the plugs upwardly forcing the figures out of the"` socket holes and the plugs above the top surface of the body preparatory to turning the figures in the desired direction for the next play of the game.

grooves 54.

A total of forty-four figures 26 or 26 representing the i offensive players and the defensive players of each of two teams is used in playing the game. The miniature football 28 may be placed in the hands or under the arm of' the figure representing the ball carrier as shown in FIGS.

9 and l0.

All of the plays made in regulation football'may be' The pass play,

In FIGS. 9 and l0, possible moves are shown The movement' -of the bar is guided by the coaction of the ribs 68^and 3 3.5. wide; 7.8.9. good; 10. holding against the offense 15 yards.

The numbers indicated at 72 on chart 29 of FIG. 5 read as follows: 2.4.6.8.12.11. complete; l. intercepted; 3.5. batted down; 7.8.9. incomplete; 10. holding penalty against offense 15 yards.

The numbers indicated at 72 on chart 29 of FIG. 6 read as follows: 2.4.6.8.12.l1. caught on the 10-yard line kicker moves 4 times; l. rolls dead on the 5-yard line where offense takes over; 3.5. caught on the ZO-yard line kicker 10 moves 4 times; 7.8.9. caught on the 15- yard line kicker 10 moves 2 times; l0. kicked into the end zone brought out to the 20 where offense takes over.

The numbers indicated at 72 on chart 29 of FIG. 7 read as follows: 2.4.6.8.12.l1. caught on the S-yard line kicker moves 10 boxes 4 times-however no one figure can move 10 times-it must be divided among the team; 1. blocked; 3.5 caught on the 20-yard line kicker moves 10 boxes 2 times; 7.8.9. caught on the 30-yard line kicker moves 10 boxes 3 times; 10. clipping against offense yards.

Suitable rules may be promulgated for controlling the playing of the game and the team scoring the greatest number of points wins the game as in regulation football. A pencil and pad may be used to keep track of the scoring.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise constructions herein disclosed and that various changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described by invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent 1. A game in simulation of a regulation football game comprising a game board having a fiat solid rectangular body, a sheet of paper fastened to the top surface of the body, intersecting longitudinal and transverse lines on said sheet, said lines defining square boxes, said body and sheet having socket holes therethrough at the centers of the square boxes, said holes having countersunk portions at the tops thereof, said countersunk portions being hexagonal in cross section, playing pieces constituted by figures shaped to simulate football players in action, said figures supported -on integral disc-shaped platforms, pegs depending from the centers of said platforms, said pegs having an enlarged upper end hexagonal in cross section fitted in the countersunk portion and having a round portion extending through the hole and therebelow, the end of said round portion being curved, and means for engaging the curved ends of the pegs for moving the pegs upwardly and outwardly of the socket holes whereby the figures may be rotated.

2. A game in simulation of a regulation football game comprising a game board having a fiat solid rectangular body, a sheet of paper fastened to the top surface of the body, intersecting longitudinal and transverse lines on said sheet, said lines defining square boxes, said `body and sheet having socket holes therethrough at the centers of the square boxes, said holes having countersunk portions at the tops thereof, said countersunk portions being hexagonal in cross section, said socket holes arranged in longitudinal and transverse arrangement, said body having transverse cut-out portions underneath and in communication with the transversely aligned socket holes, playing pieces constituted by figures shaped to simulate football players in action, said figures supported on inte gral disc-shaped platforms, pegs depending from the centers of said platforms, said pegs each having an enlarged upper end hexagonal in cross section fitted in the countersunk portion and having a round portion extending through the hole and therebelow, the end of said round portion being curved, and means for engaging the curved ends of the pegs for moving the hexagonal portions of the pegs upwardly and outwardly of the socket holes whereby the figures may be rotated, said means including an elongated operating bar having a wedge-shaped body slidable in said transverse cut-away portion, the bottom curved ends of the pegs in said cut-away portion being in the path of movement of said bar whereby said pegs are moved upwardly carrying the hexagonal portions thereof above the body for rotating said figures.

3. A game in simulation of a regulation football game comprising a game board having a fiat solid rectangular body, intersecting longitudinal and transverse lines applied to the top surface of said body, said lines defining square boxes, said body having socket holes therethrough at the centers of the square boxes, said holes having countersunk portions at the tops thereof, said countersunk portions being non-circular in cross section, playing pieces constituted by figures shaped to simulate football players in action, said figures supported on integral discshaped platforms, pegs depending from the centers of said platforms, said pegs having an enlarged upper end noncircular in cross section fitted in the countersunk portion and having a round portion extending through the hole and therebelow, the end of said round portion being curved, and means for engaging the curved ends of the pegs for moving the pegs upwardly and outwardly of the socket holes whereby the figures may be rotated.

4. A game in simulation of a regulation football game comprising a game board having a fiat solid rectangular body, intersecting longitudinal and transverse lines applied to the top surface of said body, said lines defining square boxes, said body having socket holes therethrough at the centers of the square boxes, said holes having countersunk portions at the tops thereof, said countersunk portions being non-circular in cross section, said socket holes arranged in longitudinal and transverse arrangement, said body having transverse cut-out portions underneath and in communication with the transversely aligned socket holes, playing pieces constituted by figures shaped to simulate football players in action, said figures supported on integral disc-shaped platforms, pegs depending from the centers of said platforms, said pegs each having an enlarged upper end non-circular in cross section fitted in the countersunk portion and having a round portion extending through the hole and therebelow, the end of said round portion being curved, and means for engaging the curved ends of the pegs for moving the non-circular portions of the pegs upwardly and outwardly of the socket holes whereby the figures may be rotated, said means including an elongated operating bar having a wedge-shaped body slidable in said transverse cut-away portion, the bottom curved ends of the pegs in said cut-away portion being in the path of movement of said bar whereby said pegs are moved upwardly carrying the non-circular portions thereof above the body for rotating said figures.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,499,905 7/ 1924 Bishop 273-94 1,654,582 1/1928 Devine 273-94 2,733,068 1/1956 Elander 273-137 2,760,776 8/ 1956 Tullio 273-94 2,937,874 5/1960 Ellison 273-137 2,990,181 6/ 1961 Lippold 273-134 3,101,947 8/1963 Dzuris 273-134 DELBERT B. LOWE, Primary Examiner, 

3. A GAME IN SIMULATION OF A REGULATION FOOTBALL GAME COMPRISING A GAME BOARD HAVING A FLAT SOLID RECTANGULAR BODY, INTERSECTING LONGITUDINAL AND TRANSVERSE LINES APPLIED TO THE TOP SURFACE OF SAID BODY, SAID LINES DEFINING SQUARE BOXES, SAID BODY HAVING SOCKET HOLES THERETHROUGH AT THE CENTERS OF THE SQUARE BOXES, SAID HOLES HAVING COUNTERSUNK PORTIONS AT THE TOPS THEREOF, SAID COUNTERSUNK PORTIONS BEING NON-CIRCULAR IN CROSS SECTION, PLAYING PIECES CONSTITUTED BY FIGURES SHAPED TO SIMULATE FOOTBALL PLAYERS IN ACTION, SAID FIGURES SUPPORTED ON INTEGRAL DISCSHAPED PLATFORMS, PEGS DEPENDING FROM THE CENTERS OF SAID PLATFORMS, SAID PEGS HAVING AN ENLARGED UPPER END NONCIRCULAR IN CROSS SECTION FITTED IN THE COUNTERSUNK PORTION AND HAVING A ROUND PORTION EXTENDING THROUGH THE HOLE AND THEREBELOW, THE END OF SAID ROUND PORTION BEING CURVED, AND MEANS FOR ENGAGING THE CURVED ENDS OF THE PEGS FOR MOVING THE PEGS UPWARDLY AND OUTWARDLY OF THE SOCKET HOLES WHEREBY THE FIGURES MAY BE ROTATED. 